Cold Snap Curbs Regional Power Savings

Cold Snap Curbs Regional Power Savings

Electricity savings declined in all parts of the country last week in the wake of colder weather.

The weighted national average level of electricity savings for the week ended June 14 was 7.3%, down from 10% in the previous week.

Dunedin and the lower South Island continued to lead the way, with savings of 10.3%, down from 12.3%. Christchurch and the upper South Island remained close to the target with savings of 9.6%, down from 10.3%.

The level of savings declined most markedly in the Wellington region, which dropped from 11.5% to 7.3%. The Auckland/Northland and Central regions also dropped markedly to 5.8% (8.8%) and 6.3% (9.2%) respectively.

Winter Power Taskforce co-ordinator Patrick Strange said the cold weather had clearly reduced savings. “Many regions felt the cold of winter for the first time last week and this has been reflected in higher power usage.”

Dr Strange said that while more households were using electric heating, it was clear that business and government savings were continuing.

Electricity savings for the 24 hours ended midnight yesterday (Tuesday 17 June) were 5.4%. Total demand was 106.9 GWh, compared with 108.6 GWh in the prior year. Hydro storage levels were 2,543 GWh, 87% of average.

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